Senior concludes 13-year baseball career, transitions to pursue biology major

Senior Ronnie Peterson expresses a fire for the game of baseball. At the age of five, Peterson’s grandfather, Jerry Peterson, encouraged him to take part in T-ball. In his final month of high school, Peterson aspires to do his very best to improve as a player. He wants everyone to know that he works just as hard and harder than anyone else.  

Taking part in the sport for multiple years, Peterson views baseball in many different ways since he houses the memories of playing at various ages. Now in the competitive view of high school baseball, Peterson likes to remember back to when it was just fun and games.   

“Whenever I step out onto the field, it brings me back to a simpler time when it wasn’t all about winning,” Peterson said. “It was just about having fun. Remembering that keeps me going and helps me want to do my best.”

Peterson’s favorite memories of baseball consist of winning the Valley championship during his sophomore year (2017), and hitting his first home run during his junior year.

“The team really came together once playoffs hit,” Peterson said. “We all had the same thing in mind – win a championship. Then when I hit the home run, I was thinking ‘hit the ball hard’. I didn’t even know it was a home run until I got to second base.”

Pitcher Sam Cross, ‘19, plays baseball alongside Peterson and speaks highly of Peterson’s ability to lead and be a role model for younger players.

“We are both seniors on the team and we are both leading the team this year,” Cross said. “Ronnie is a great influence on the younger players and he brings a lot to the team with his experience and his ability.”

As Peterson’s baseball coach for four years, Noah Heinz saw promise in Ronnie from as early as junior high. Heinz compliments Peterson’s drive to improve and how he brings his dedication to the team.

“Ronnie is really dedicated to his craft,” Heinz said. “In the last two years, he has become one of the best hitters, not only on our team, but in the league. I was very excited to see him grow into such a good athlete and young man. He was one of the most vital part in the Valley Championship two years ago and he’s been our No. 4 or 5 hitter his entire high school career.”

Brayden Iest talks to Ronnie Peterson about playing baseball in high school.

Peterson’s family gives him support in everything from in the classroom to on the field. He lives with his parents and his three siblings. Ronnie’s younger brother, Matthew, attends FCS as a junior, while his older brother and sister attend college. Ronnie’s father, Ron, proud of his son, watches as Ronnie proceeds through his baseball career.

“Ronnie displays perseverance, strength, and passion for the game of baseball and unwavering loyalty toward his team,” Ron said. “I told him never to give up, to keep moving forward, and to give it his all. He has a huge heart and I couldn’t be prouder.”   

During his free time, Ronnie enjoys fishing at Pine Flat Lake or the San Joaquin River. He enjoys fishing because it allows him to take a break from life’s pressures and relax his mind.

Despite Peterson’s love for baseball, he refrains from pursuing it as a career. While he recognizes that playing major league baseball presents itself as a great opportunity, Peterson plans to pursue a career in biology.

For more articles, read Editorial: Year-end choices still affect college future and Three-sport athlete, Aaron LaCroix, leads team via passion, work ethic.

Brayden Iest can be reached via Twitter and email.